When companies set out to name a motorcycle, they generally try to come up with something that reflects its personality. The motorcycle name sets the tone and the expectation for what’s in store for the buyer.But that hasn’t always been the case. Before there were marketing departments and consumer focus groups, there were a bunch of guys in a room creating names for their newest models.Let’s look at seven cool motorcycle names you’ve probably never heard of:

1. Dream

Who says your dreams can’t be bought and sold? Dreams were certainly for sale in the early 1960s, at least, when this Japanese import hit American shores. The bikes were light and easy to handle, and the company kept this Dream alive for 10 years.

2. Satan

Someone had to know this wasn’t going to be an easy sell – at least not for the U.S. market. Perhaps the name has a different meaning in its native Czechoslovakia, – the company started in 1929 but only lasted for one year.

3. Snob

For four years, from 1921 until 1925, this German manufacturer wanted us to take a Snob home with us. But with its 155cc, most consumers just turned up their noses at it.

4. Anker

This German company started out making sewing machines and bicycles in the late 1800s, then graduated to motorbikes in the 1940s. (No word if they came with a bobbin and thread.) Although the name “Anker” might make one think more of a tethered ship than a freewheeling ride, the company continued making them until 1953.

5. Flying Merkel

Sure, it sounds like an act you’d see at the circus, but when this motorcycle hit the road in 1902 it was actually pretty innovative for its time, introducing the patented spring front fork. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to keep it from going under by 1916.

6. Whizzer Pacemaker

It’s hard to say which would have been harder for the marketing team, encouraging customers to get a Pacemaker or asking them to take a Whizzer for a spin. But to its credit, the Pacemaker did help jump-start the electric scooter craze in the U.S. in the 1950s.

7. Genial-Lucifer

​I guess they didn’t learn from Satan. Or maybe they thought he just needed to sound friendlier. This French-made bike, which debuted in 1928, actually sold for three decades.

​Passengers who want to fly with their pets in the cabin have been discovering that many airlines have become friendlier to them in recent years.The development has its roots in the late 1990's when a few airlines began allowing pets on board as long as they fit into a carrier that could be stowed underneath the seats, according to Susan Smith, owner of Pet Travel in Oakland Park, Fla.“The airlines didn’t take long to realize this was good for their bottom line,” Smith said, because it allowed them to capture another segment of the flying public, create loyal customers and generate positive word of mouth. After all, Smith adds, “Nobody wants to put their pet in the cargo hold.”This doesn’t mean will start allowing full-size Dobermans, but if you have a smaller dog, the odds of getting Fido on are in your favor as long as you’re willing to jump through a few hoops.

Study airline requirements

Although specifications vary among airlines, the key restrictions are focused on weight and height of your dog and your pet carrier. The upper weight limit is 11 to 15 pounds depending on breed and the carrier should be small enough to fit under the seat, but tall enough for your pet to stand up and move around. Your carrier also needs to have a waterproof bottom, adequate insulation and be big enough for the pet’s entire body, even its head.Maximum sizes on carriers typically range from 16 to 19 inches long, 10 inches high and 12 inches wide, depending on the airline. Smith is quick to point out that those measurements can vary based on the type of carrier you use, the aircraft flying the route and the class of service you book. That’s why she says it’s best to call the airline to find out what aircraft serves your route and if the requirements are more stringent.Your dog must also be at least 8 weeks old, weaned and in good health. You’ll need a health certificate from your veterinarian a few days before you fly with your dog. While some travel experts say airlines may be too busy to ask to see it for many domestic flights, you won’t be getting on a plane with your pet unless you can provide one if asked. Besides, you’ll want to ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly.Separately, many people assume pets should have tranquilizers. Not so. While your veterinarian can advise you on your pet’s specific health needs, sedating medications place your pet at higher risk while traveling.

Contact the airline

Smith also says it’s important to contact your airline before booking to make sure there’s room for your pet because carriers limit the number of pets allowed per flight.The number varies based on the size of the plane and can range from two to fiveYou don’t need to book your flight directly through the airline, but you are required to notify the carrier if you’re traveling with a pet within 24 hours of booking the reservation.Although it’s still a good idea, advance notice may eventually be less of a concern in first class, because some airlines are currently testing the idea of offering compartments for pets.

Prepare to pay a little more

Additional tickets aren’t necessary but fees range from $75 to $125 each way to get your pooch to join you.On the down side, airlines consider pets to be property and will count the carrier and its contents as a piece of carry-on luggage, Smith says. If you’re flying on an airline that allows one carry-on and a personal item, you can still bring on a purse or a laptop. If it only allows one bag, though, your dog may be it.

Additional tips on flying with your pet

Smith has plenty of additional tips for bringing your dog on board and pages of pointers on her website. Here are a few highlights:1. Acclimate your pet to its carrierShow it to the pet weeks in advance, use it to transport the dog to favorite destinations and let it sleep in it to increase its comfort with the idea.2. Go for a long walk before the flightA tired dog is more likely to sleep and be comfortable3. Request a window seatThere’s usually more room under the seat and fewer distractions for your dog.aircrafts are stressful on pets, too. After all, one flight can be hard enough, rushing from one plane to another adds to their stress.“Layovers are very stressful for animals. The object is to get them from point a to point b as fast as you can,” Smith says. “If you have an option, take the direct flight. It’s much easier on your pet.”

Man’s best friend makes a great travel companion, but to make the most of your travels together, it’s a good idea to dog-proof your car. Here are three easy steps to doing that:

Clean Your Car First

Cleaning your car thoroughly prior to dog-proofing it is key. A wet/dry vacuum can help you get all kinds of matter, from dirt and fur to dried bits of fluid that you don’t want trapped in your carpet or cloth fibers. Make sure your vacuum is strong enough to pull all the moisture out of the fibers – if not, it’s worth taking the car in and letting a professional clean it.

Get a seat cover

​If you have a dog in the car, it’s going to be impossible to keep the seats and floor completely free of dog hair. Rather than giving up, look at investing in seat covers that will catch the hair and make for easier cleanup. If you don’t want to invest in fitted seat covers, you could just buy an inexpensive felt blanket to catch the hair – and take it out and shake the hair off after every visit. (Keeping a lint roller in the car’s console can also help you pick up bits of hair that end up in the car between vacuuming times.)

Cover the windows

One of the telltale signs there’s a dog in the car are those nose prints and slobber streaks on the windows. Eliminate these by covering the window with clear plastic wrap before you hit the road with your dog. It won’t impede your vision, and when the trip is over you can simply peel it off and toss it in the trash – nose prints and all!If your interior has leather or vinyl, you’ll want to make sure Fido’s nails don’t scratch the seats or car doors. A seat cover will help, but you can also put plastic wrap over the leather or vinyl on the doors for while you’re out and about.

Clean any accident quickly

Even with all the necessary precautions, you’re bound to have an occasional accident. Taking care of these quickly will keep any stains from setting, and it helps to keep a spray bottle of high-quality leather or upholstery cleaner on hand to remove spots. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle’s interior to make sure you’re using the right materials.

Cover up odor

Consider using essential oils to keep your car smelling fresh; they don’t simply cover up odors, they actually eliminate them and many are anti-microbial.The best way to protect your car’s interior is to plan ahead and prevent the damage from occurring in the first place. If you’ve already experienced some problems, make sure you clean up any unwanted odors before you start. If you just cover them up rather than eliminating them, they’re going to resurface.

Have a set spot for your dog

Finally, giving your dog a designated space – such as a place on the back seat where he’s secured with a harness attached to the seat belt – will keep him or her from moving around the car, which not only makes it easier to confine the area that needs to be “dog-proofed,” but is safer for both of you. Before you hit the wide-open road, check your state’s laws and see if there are any restrictions about how your dog is transported.​Now that you’ve dog-proofed your car, make sure you do the same for your house. Check out Puppy Proofing 101 to learn how you can make your home the perfect place for your dog.

All it takes is one small chip in the windshield before it becomes a full-fledged crack. Small yes, but you want to be safe. Here’s how to prevent a windshield crack from interfering with your safety.

1. Decide if it needs immediate attention

First, where’s the crack located? Is it off to the side or is it obscuring your view? If it interferes with your ability to see the road, you should deal with even a small crack immediately by taking your car to the repair shop. However, if it’s not really impairing your ability to see the road, grab a ruler.

2. Determine whether it needs repaired or replaced

If the crack is less than 12 inches long, or the chip is smaller than the size of a quarter, the integrity of the windshield hasn’t been compromised and probably doesn’t require replacing, according to Cars.com. But every crack or chip is different, and it’s important to consult an expert. The goal is to ensure a crack from getting bigger or in any way compromising safety.

3. Avoid dirt and debris

One of the biggest things to guard against is dirt. If dirt gets into the crack, it can make a simple repair much more complicated. But that doesn’t mean you should head for the car wash or reach for a bucket. If water seeps into the crack, what began as a small repair has now become a complete replacement. Instead, keep dirt and moisture away from the crack with a piece of clear packing tape, which is strong but won’t obscure your view.

4. Park indoors to avoid the sun

If possible, park the car inside, where it will be protected against rain as well as the sun, which can cause the windshield to heat up and allow the crack to expand. If you don’t have a garage, try parking in a shaded spot.

5. Avoid temperature extremes

Likewise, keep in mind that extreme cold is not good for the cracked windshield. Refrain from putting your air conditioner or defroster on high. If necessary, use the heater moderately to gradually defrost the windows.

6. Drive carefully

Another way to keep the crack from getting larger is to drive with extra caution. That means steering clear of potholes and staying away from rough roads. Jostling the car is the last thing that you need when driving with a crack, and you also want to be careful when getting in and out of the car and avoid slamming the doors or the trunk.Above all, keep safety in mind at all times; the sooner you get the windshield in for replacement or repair, the better. Beyond repairing a cracked windshield, performing regular car maintenance is key to sustaining your car in the long term.

Headlights are essential for driving any car safely. But they occasionally go out. Knowing what to look for when the front of your car goes dark can help you quickly remedy the problem.What causes headlights to go out1. Old age

The most common culprit for a burned-out light is age, says Emilio Zullo, owner and technician at E & L Automotive, in Ossining, N.Y. “You could be driving and not notice that one of your headlights is out, and then, since the other one is the same age, within weeks that one might just go bad, too,” he says. Suddenly the problem becomes scarily apparent.

2. Extreme cold and heat

Besides age, extreme cold or heat can also cause headlights to burn out. The changes in temperature can impact the lightbulb filament, which is very delicate.

3. Oxidation

With newer halogen bulbs, another cause of dimming lights can be oxidation of the plastic housing, causing it to appear white or yellowish, Zullo says. This diminishes the beam of light that helps drivers to see the dark road ahead, he says. “In that case, you would have to replace the whole headlight assembly,” he adds.

4. Cracks in bulb housing

In addition, any cracks in the housing can cause halogen bulbs to burn out because these can’t take any moisture. “So you could put a new bulb in there and within a day or two it will blow out because of the humidity and the wetness,” Zullo says. “Also, these bulbs cannot be touched by your fingers; if you’re installing it, you have to use rubber gloves because if you put your finger on the bulb the salt from your sweat will burn that bulb right out.”In addition, any cracks in the housing can cause halogen bulbs to burn out because these can’t take any moisture. “So you could put a new bulb in there and within a day or two it will blow out because of the humidity and the wetness,” Zullo says. “Also, these bulbs cannot be touched by your fingers; if you’re installing it, you have to use rubber gloves because if you put your finger on the bulb the salt from your sweat will burn that bulb right out.”

Before you replace the bulb

Determining the cause of a headlight issue begins simply by observing. First, put your headlights on to see if it’s just one light that’s out. If one is out, 90% of the time the light will go back on by simply replacing the bulb, Zullo notes. One quick test, if you don’t have a bulb handy or if you are out on the road when you notice the headlight issue, is to pull over and tap the light with your fist, which sometimes will make it go on, he says.“If it goes on, that means the filament is burnt out,” Zullo says. “When you hit it, you’re shaking the filament and, if this makes contact, it actually lights up.” This can at least enable you to make it to an area where you can have the light repaired, he adds.How to replace a headlight bulbCheck your owner’s manual for details on how to change the headlight in your specific vehicle, as well as what light bulb to purchase.

1. Power your car down

To ensure safety, turn off your car and take the keys out of the ignition.

2. Open engine compartment

Pop your car’s hood and locate the headlight holder, near the front of the car.

3. Disconnect the bulb power wires

There are usually three wires attached to the base of the lightbulb. Push down the clip or cap holding them in place.

4. Unscrew the old bulb

Every car is different, Zullo cautions. “Some cars you can get right to the bulb, but with some cars you can’t,” he says. Sometimes the battery or the air filter housing is in the way and sometimes you have to take the inner fender out and get behind it.However, if you can open the headlight, it’s then just a matter of changing the halogen bulb. This means seeing how the bulb is locked in and carefully unlocking it. If you break the clips that are used here, though, you’ll need to take out the whole headlight, Zullo warns. “So you have to see how it’s hooked up, gently take it apart and then you have to reverse the procedure going back together without putting your fingers on the glass of the bulb,” he says.

5. Screw in the new bulb

Gently screw in the new bulb without touching the glass of the bulb; oil and dirt on your hands can cause the bulb to burst once it heats up. Close the hood of your car. With the new bulb in place, your headlights should once again be as good as new, and you can once again enjoy driving your car day or night.

When changing the bulb doesn’t work

Ultimately, if you replace a bulb and that doesn’t work, then you have to test the fuses and the wiring. “If you have power going to the fuses and no power going to your light, you’re having a wiring problem,” Zullo says. “It could be that a wire broke somewhere, got pinched or something like that.”Another thing to consider if you recently changed a halogen bulb is whether the replacement bulb was appropriate for your plug. Zullo points out that halogen bulbs today run very hot, and some car parts stores sell brighter or colored replacements over the counter that are touted as better for visibility but that run even hotter. “So what happens with a stock OEM plug that the car came with from the factory is that it can’t handle this extra wattage,” he says. “It starts to melt, and then it makes a bad connection and your light goes out.” At that point you can’t even put a new bulb in, you have to change the whole light socket, Zullo says.Most times, changing a headlight is straightforward and doesn’t require taking your car to a mechanic. Check out other DIY car projects anyone can do.

​Did you know that one home is broken into every 14.6 seconds? Home break-in crimes may be more common than you think, but taking certain precautions before you leave the house (and while you’re in it) can greatly reduce your risk of a burglary attempt. The infographic below shows a few surprising stats about break-ins and essential home safety tips and security information that can help you protect what’s important to you.

Setting up your baby’s nursery is exciting, but safety should come first. From furniture tip-overs to baby-proofing windows, this infographic shows essential nursery safety tips to help keep your little one safer. For more home and child safety tips, visit Nationwide’s Make Safe Happen page or download the Make Safe Happen App.

​When you sell your home, carving off a piece of that big check and handing it over to a real estate agent is an unpleasant moment. It’s hard to resist wondering whether you could have sold your home yourself and kept the agent’s commission. Grand Junction there is an alternative that lets you DIY – For Sale By Owner or FSBO, pronounced “Fizzbo.”) According to the National Association of Realtors, about 1 in 12 home sales are FSBO.By cutting out the middleman, you avoid paying thousands of dollars to a selling agent. But selling your house yourself can cost you a lot of time and introduce new headaches and risks. And you might not save you as much money as you think. Here’s how to tell whether the FSBO path is right for you:

How much money are we talking about?

The U.S. average commission in 2013 was 5.38%, according to the Los Angeles Times. So a seller with a $200,000 home would pay about $10,760 to real estate agents, typically split 50/50 between a buyer’s and seller’s agent. “I support sellers who want to give it a go, because there’s real money on the table,” says New York-based real estate attorney Michael Moshan.Still, saving 5%-6% seems like a good idea; unfortunately it’s not that simple. Here are a few reasons why:

While FSBO lets you eliminate the seller’s commission, you’ll typically still have to work with a buyer’s agent; otherwise, no one will bring clients to see your house. That 5%-6% ends up more like 21/2-3% – or about $5,380 on that $200,000 home.

Without a seller’s agent, your house may not sell for as much. A seller’s agent posts your house on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), available to licensed real estate agents, exposing it to many potential buyers than you’re likely to find on your own. And that increased demand can drive the price up for agent-assisted sales vs. FSBOs. Avoiding a 2.69% agent’s fee isn’t such a great deal if it means your final selling price 10% lower.

Finally, some real estate agent fees are tax deductible. “Commissions you’ve paid for listing or selling the house reduce the taxable profit” at tax time and reduce your tax bill, explains Rob Babek, a CPA at Marcum LLP. No commissions, no extra tax break.

How much work will it take?

Here’s where you’ll need to consider what your time is worth. Because FSBO will require time, legwork and brainwork.

First, you must decide on the asking price for your house, which will take some research into the market. A seller’s agent with easy access to listings and databases can get you listings for comparable homes in your area – known as comps – to help you arrive at a number more efficiently.

You’ll also need to photograph your house and perhaps record a video tour. A seller’s agent can handle both chores, as well as recommend how to stage the house to maximize its appeal to buyers.

Selling a house involves numerous hurdles – from filling out paperwork to arranging for inspections. You’ll find yourself navigating the complex and unfamiliar terrain of home inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, closing costs, tax implications, etc. While a seller’s agent may not take all these jobs off your hands, a good one will help you understand the process and connect you with trusted professionals.

Showing the house means making perhaps dozens of appointments to walk potential buyers through it and always being on call. “I’ve seen many sellers become miserable (because of) the time commitment alone – having to show their apartment 100 times to 100 strangers picking over their taste, their stuff, their design choices,” says Moshan.

So FSBO is never a good choice?

​No. Complex though it is, FSBO can pay off. Here are some final tips to help you decide:

If you’re not using a seller’s agent, your networking and negotiating skills will be critical. If you have a large personal network and are an effective negotiator, FSBO may be right for you.

Certain circumstances make FSBO less challenging. If you’re close to a lawyer, accountant or interior designer, their expertise can compensate for the lack of an agent’s. If an adult in the household works part-time or has a very flexible work schedule, the time commitment of showing the house becomes less tedious.

You can also try to approximate the services of a seller’s agent, although some may introduce new costs. To determine your listing price, check comps at Zillow.com or Realtor.com, or search your county’s tax assessment office for recently sold houses. For about 1% of the sale price, you can pay an online “discount broker” to list your house on an MLS where buyers’ agents can find it.

And to make sure potential buyers are qualified BEFORE you accept a purchase offer (which takes your house off the market), require pre-qualification letters from their bank that certify they can meet the proposed financial commitment.

Is selling your own house right for you?

If you’re energetic and have the time, if you’re on top of paperwork and don’t mind research, and if you’re a good salesperson and negotiator, you may be able to make it work. But if the thought of managing all these details makes your head spin, there are professionals to handle them – for a price, of course.Regardless of how long you plan to stay in your home, safeguarding it against calamity is wise. Check out Sterling Peaks Insurance homeowners insurance options to find a policy that can keep your residence safe and secure.

​Homeowners looking to get the best price for their home are learning that if you want to sell quickly and score big profits, you need to remove clutter and make the place look inviting, not lived in.Staging your house can help you sell it faster and possibly bring you more money, say many real estate professionals. The cost to stage a home is typically less than 1 percent of the list price, says Cindy May Davis, a Realtor with the Ann Wilson Homes Team for Keller Williams Realty in Arlington, Va., and the return is typically 1 percent to 5 percent over the list price.Homeowners can hire a staging company, work with a real estate agency that does the staging for its clients or do it themselves. Here are 11 tips for staging your home that will have a positive impact on its price and appeal:

1. Give your home curb appeal

Most buyers start their home search on the Internet. Often their first impression of your home is a photo of the outside, Davis says. Before you take that photo, be sure you have spruced up the grounds of the house by weeding, mulching, trimming back trees and bushes, and power washing your siding and walkways.

2. Depersonalize and declutter

When buyers come into your house, it’s important they be able to visualize themselves living there, Davis says. So take down anything personal, including family photos, collections, diplomas or awards, , replacing them with generic artwork and photos. “This is often the hardest thing for people do to,” she says.

3. Clean your house

Make your house shine by cleaning everything including the inside of your appliances, the baseboards and windows, Davis says. Change your air filters and clean out your gutters. “This will show buyers that you do regular maintenance on the house,” she says.

4. Get rid of odors

If you’re a smoker or have a pet, it’s important to get rid of odors. Be careful of using air fresheners, Davis warns, because many are too strong and they might suggest you are trying to hide something. Open the windows instead.

5. Neutralize colors

Potential homebuyers might not love the dark purple accent wall in the dining room as much as you do, so it’s best to paint the walls a neutral color before you start showing the house, Davis says. You don’t have to paint every wall white but it should be a neutral color that will appeal to a variety of people.

6. Turn up the lights

At every open house, Davis opens every blind and curtain to get let in as much light as possible. If a room seems too dark or the lamp is outdated, Davis says she will bring extra lighting or a new lamp to the open house. Make sure all the light bulbs in your house are working on the day of the open house.

7. Pare down furnishings

Oversized furniture can make a room feel smaller, Davis says. Furniture is there to help the buyer visualize what the room is used for, but it’s best to minimize the number of pieces so the buyer can envision their own furniture in the room.

8. Accessorize

After you remove all the clutter add some accents such as interesting coffee table books, throw pillows and blankets on the sofa, a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter and matching towels in the bathroom.

9. Make repairs

If there is anything that clearly needs to be repaired or if there are any unfinished projects, you need to take care of them before the open house. No potential buyer wants to see unfinished work inside the house.

10. Clean out the closets and drawers

Potential buyers will open every closet, cabinet, drawer and door, says Davis, and you will want to display as much storage as possible. Davis recommends using baskets to hold items that are normally just loose in drawers and in closets to make them look less cluttered. She also tells clients to remove 20 percent to 30 percent of what is inside each closet to show space between items that are hanging up. This will make the closet seem larger.

11. Check the floors

If the carpeting is stained, replace it. If you’re using an old area rug, remove it. If your wooden floors are scratched, cover them with inexpensive area rugs.Staging a home is key to appealing to prospective buyers.

The rising popularity of smartphones is playing a role in the growth of home security systems. Now, security systems don’t just trip an alarm if an intruder comes through the door anymore, they enable homeowners to watch live streaming video of their homes, turn on lights and disarm the system – all from their smartphones.

Smartphone integration and high-speed Internet connections will contribute significantly to the growth of security systems. By 2020, 30 percent of all households will likely have a security system. That’s a 12 percent spike in home security systems in 10 years.
“The technological advances that we’ve seen in smartphones, apps and video capabilities have brought a whole new clientele to the home security industry,” says Joe Branca, senior smart home analyst for Strategy Analytics, a company that provides research and consultations to security companies.

​Branca says these five digital trends are currently dominating the home security industry:

More and more home security systems have a video component built in. Cameras deter 40 percent of burglars from entering a home, according to one recent study.
Cameras placed throughout a home can be controlled via smartphone apps. A homeowner can watch live streaming video while at work, zoom in for a closer look at something suspicious and rotate the camera to get a better look at something across the room.

2. Smartphone notifications

With smartphone integration, homeowners are generally able to visually check on their home anytime, anywhere. In addition, homeowners can set up event notifications. For example, when a motion sensor is tripped, an alert is sent to the owner’s phone. The owner can click on the alert and automatically see live streaming video from the camera closest to the motion sensor.
“Our experience is that parents love this feature,” Branca explains. “When the kids come home from school and come through the front door’s motion sensor, an alert is sent to Mom’s phone. She can watch them come in via live video, or, if she gets the alert a few minutes late, she can access stored video.”

3. Customizable settings

Home security systems aren’t one-size-fits-all anymore. Homeowners can customize their systems to fit their lifestyle by customizing various settings. For example, users can have the lights come on in the living room as soon as the alarm is deactivated. Homeowners can customize settings for certain times of the day or when on vacation.“It’s customization that fits every lifestyle,” Branca says. “It’s another digital feature that makes home security more attractive today.”

4. Home controls

In a rush to get to work, a homeowner could forget to lock the door or adjust the thermostat. Rather than turning around and heading back home to check, homeowners can make adjustments from their smartphone.
Consumers want more control over individual systems, like thermostats, locks and lights, Branca says.
“To be able to flip a lock while at work or turn off the kitchen lights that are still on from this morning’s breakfast, seems like a luxury, but it’s one of the most in-demand features that we see,” he says.

5. Location-based automation

The GPS in a smartphone isn’t just great at providing directions; it can trigger automation in a home security system, too. A user can set up his system for location-based automation. For example, when a user is within five miles of his home, the alarm can be automatically shut off and lights turned on.
“Again, this feature allows for customization,” Branca says. “It’s another way for users to make a security system work in their lives, not the other way around.”
Digital features in the futureDigital trends are only growing. Branca says water management and occupant monitoring are just two digital features that are in the works.
In the near future, security systems could alert owners of a leaking pipe or switch on sprinklers at scheduled times. Sensors are also being developed to monitor people in the home. For example, if an elderly person falls, a sensor can detect it and call for help.
“Digital features will only grow in home security systems,” Branca says. “The possibilities are limitless.”